Technical Help: Ecodial Advance Calculation

Ecodial Advance Calculation
Technical help
Ecodial Advanced Calculation
Contents
Component names
Main changes following the Cenelec TR50480 report
Types of system earthing
Types of transformer losses
Diversity factor Ks
Switchgear status and operating modes
Discrimination of protective devices
Check on the thermal stress in cables
Discrimination of residual-current protective devices
Cascading
Withdrawable circuit breakers and switches
Electrical operating mechanisms for circuit breakers and switches
Remote opening of switches
Visible break
Classification of residual current devices
Type of residual-current protection
High-sensitivity residual-current protection
Medium-sensitivity residual-current protection
Maximum permissible voltage drop for loads
Circuit voltage-drop tolerances
Cable installation method
Maximum, permissible cross-sectional area
Third-order harmonic distortion
Manual and alternate solutions
Additional derating coefficients for wiring systems
Waiver of overload-protection requirements for safety circuits
Power factor for short-circuits on LV sources
Calculation of LV-source phase impedances, based on Ik3max
Calculation of LV-source neutral impedances, based on Ik1min
Calculation of LV-source PE impedances, based on Ief
Calculation of LV-source PE impedances, based on Ief2min
Technical help Page 2/44

Consistency of LV-source input parameters

Type of regulation of LV capacitor banks
Types of LV capacitor banks
Coordination of circuit breakers and contactors
Trip classes of motor thermal protection
Motor inrush currents
Transient over-torque of variable speed drives
Single-pole breaking capacity at phase-to-phase voltage on IT systems
Single-pole breaking capacity at phase-to-neutral voltage on TN systems

Component names
The default prefix of component names is defined in accordance with standard IEC 81346-2.
This standard defines the following rules depending on the type of equipment.
Code IEC 81346-2 definition Examples Ecodial component

Transporting low voltage LV cable and feeder
electrical energy( ≤ 1 000 V a.c. busbar-trunking
WD or ≤ 1 500 V d.c.) Bushing, cable, conductor systems (BTS)
Distributing low voltage
electrical energy( ≤ 1 000 V a.c. Busbar, motor control centre, Busbars and busbar-
WC or ≤ 1 500 V d.c.) switchgear assembly trunking systems (BTS)
Enclosing and supporting
UC electrical energy equipment Cubicle, encapsulation, housing LV switchboards
Converting electrical energy AC/DC converter, frequency
while retaining the energy type converter, power transformer, MV/LV and LV/LV
TA and energy form transformer transformers
Switching and variation of Circuit-breaker, contactor, motor Circuit-breakers and
QA electrical energy circuits starter, power transistor, thyristor contactors
Disconnector, fuse switch, fuse-
Isolation of electrical energy switch disconnector, isolating Switches and fuse
QB circuits switch, load-break switch switches
Driving by electromagnetic
MA force Electric motor, linear motor Asynchronous motors
Initiation of an electrical energy Dynamo, generator, motor-
flow by use of mechanical generator set, power generator,
GA energy rotating generator Emergency generators
Fluorescent lamp, fluorescent
Generation of electromagnetic tube, incandescent lamp, lamp,
radiation for lighting purposes lamp bulb, laser, LED lamp,
EA using electrical energy maser, UV radiator Lighting loads
Capacitive storage of electric
CA energy Capacitor Capacitors

Main changes following the Cenelec TR50480 report

Modification of voltage factor c
Table 7 in the Cenelec TR50480 technical report is derived from Table 1 in the IEC 60909 standard.
Rated voltage Voltage factor

cmax cmin
100 V to 1000 V 1.1 0.95
Elimination of the no-load factor m

The no-load factor m, present in the Cenelec R064-003 technical report, has been eliminated from all
equations in the Cenelec TR50480 technical report.
Calculation of short-circuit currents with parallel-connected transformers

The Cenelec TR50480 technical report defines more precisely the impedance method for calculation
of short-circuit currents in installations supplied by parallel-connected transformers.
Generator LV supply MV supply + parallel-connected MV/LV transformers

supply
ZG ZQ ZQ
Z SUP Z SUP Z SUP
ZC ZC ZC
ZT
           
ZSUP  ZC  ZG ZSUP  Z Q  Z C  ZQ ( ZT  ZC )  ZQ ( ZT  ZC )
Incomer: ZSUP  Outgoer: ZSUP 
nT  1 nT
n T is the total number of transformers operating
simultaneously.
Incomer = the conductor between the transformer and the
main switchboard.
Outgoer = the circuits supplying the entire installation
downstream of the main switchboard.
Contribution of asynchronous motors to short-circuit currents

The Cenelec TR50480 technical report defines the K M coefficient that must be applied to the
impedances (R SUP , X SUP ) to take into account the contribution of the motors.
The table below sums up the conditions where the contribution of asynchronous motors to the short-
circuit current must be taken into account.
Type of supply Motor Total power rating of K M value

motors operating
simultaneously (S rM )
Supply via MV/LV
transformer(s)
No static converter > 25% total power rating
of transformers (S rT )
5 S rT
5  SrT  1,1  SrM

Types of system earthing

TN-S system
TN-C system
Not permitted on sites where

there is a risk of fire or
explosion.
TT system
IT system
Where possible, the neutral

is not distributed.

Types of transformer losses

Immersed-type transformers
Losses of MV/LV immersed-type transformers are defined by standard EN 50464-1 for:
losses under no-load conditions (P 0 ),
losses under load conditions (P k ).
This classification is valid for transformers immersed in mineral and vegetable oil.
No-load losses (P 0 ) Load losses (P k )

Optimum efficiency Optimum efficiency
Standard efficiency Standard efficiency
Dry-type transformers
Dry-type encapsulated transformers offer two possible loss levels:
normal losses,
reduced losses.

Diversity factor Ks
Standard IEC 60439-1 defines the diversity-factor (Ks) values that may be used if more precise
information on switchboards and busbar-trunking systems (BTS) is lacking.
Ecodial uses these values by default to calculate the design currents for BTSs and busbars.
Switchboard busbars
Number of outgoers Ks
1 1
2-3 0.9
4-5 0.8
6 to 9 0.7
10 and more 0.6
Distribution BTS
Number of outgoers Ks
1 1
2-3 0.9
4-5 0.8
6 to 9 0.7
10 to 40 0.6
Over 40 0.5
Diversity factor and operating mode

For distribution BTSs and busbars, it is possible to set a diversity factor for each type of operating
mode.
Simply select an operating mode and enter a value between 0 and 1 for the Ks parameter. The value
becomes the default value for the current operating mode (the lock next to the parameter closes )
and Ecodial will no longer modify the value as a function of the number of outgoers. In the other
operating modes, the Ks value will continue to be calculated by Ecodial, unless the value is set as
indicated above.

Switchgear status and operating modes

This property determines the open/closed (off/on) position of circuit breakers and switches in the
various operating modes. Ecodial can manage different status conditions of switchgear depending on
the operating mode. This makes it possible to take into account installations supplied by multiple
sources, those offering load shedding and those with seasonal operating modes, for example.
When the status of a circuit breaker or switch is "closed",, the circuit downstream of the circuit breaker
(or switch) is supplied in the current operating mode.
When the status of a circuit breaker or switch is "open", the downstream circuit is not supplied in the
current operating mode.
When a part of the network is not supplied in a given operating mode, it is shown in blue in the single-
line diagram. Given that the "closed" status condition is the most common in installations, only the
"open" status condition is shown in the single-line diagram.

Discrimination of protective devices

Principle
Instantaneous setting of the downstream protective device
Crossing detection zone. Table zone.

Discrimination limit = current at Check the manufacturer discrimination
which the curves cross. tables to determine the limit.
Tripping curve
Non-tripping curve
Partial and total discrimination

If the tripping curve of the downstream protection crosses the non-tripping curve of the upstream
protection, discrimination is said to be partial and the current at which the curves cross is called the
discrimination or selectivity limit current.
If the selectivity limit current is lower than the short-circuit current that can occur on the circuit
protected by the downstream protective device, discrimination is said to be partial.
If the selectivity limit current is higher than the maximum short-circuit current that can occur on the
circuit protected by the downstream protective device, discrimination is said to be total for the given
installation.
Means to achieve total discrimination

If the curves cross in the crossing detection zone, i.e. below the downstream instantaneous-setting
current, the settings on the protective devices may be adjusted to achieve discrimination. Use of time-
delayed trip units makes this easier.
If the discrimination limit is in the table zone, the rating of the upstream protective device must be
increased. In this case, Ecodial retains the circuit design current Ib as the reference for the thermal
setting of the protective device to avoid oversizing the cable.

Check on the thermal stress in cables

Principle
Ecodial checks the thermal stress for all conductors in a cable:
phase,
neutral,
PE or PEN.
The thermal stress is within permissible limits if:
the Isd threshold is lower than the circuit minimum short-circuit current (NF C 15-100 §
533.3.2, IEC 60364 § 533.3.2).
Otherwise, Ecodial checks that:
the thermal stress (i²t) in each of the circuit conductors (phase, neutral, PE or PEN) in the
cable does not cross the t(i) curve of the protective device.
Ikmin
i²t phase
i²t neutral
i²t PE
Necessary measures if a cable is not protected against thermal stress

If neither of the above conditions are met, there are two ways to correct the circuit:
- install an adjustable protective device on which Isd can be set to below Ikmin,
- manually increase the cross-sectional area of the conductor(s) that are insufficiently
protected by the current protective device.

Discrimination of residual-current protective devices

Principle
Discrimination between residual-current protective devices is achieved if the following conditions are
met:
the sensitivity of the upstream device is greater than double the sensitivity of the
downstream device,
the breaking time of the upstream device is 1.4 times longer than that of the
downstream device.
The sensitivity of the downstream device must also meet the condition below:
sensitivity (In) x 2 ≤ fault current (Ief).
≥ 2  current discrimination OK
In x2 ≤ Ief  protection of persons OK
Ikmin
≥ 1.4  time discrimination OK
Partial discrimination
When the sensitivity discrimination condition is not met, discrimination is said to be partial.
However if the breaking-time discrimination condition is not met, there is no discrimination between
the two residual-current protective devices (even if the sensitivity discrimination condition is met).

Cascading
Default and individual parameter settings
On the Project parameters tab, in the zone for device selection, it is possible to request that the
system attempt to set up cascading for all final protection devices, i.e. those immediately upstream of
the loads. It is on the final circuits that there is the greatest number of outgoers and consequently that
cascading can provide the greatest benefits.
In addition, there is an individual parameter for each circuit breaker in the installation, among the
circuit-breaker properties, to activate or deactivate system attempts to establish cascading.
Attempts to find a cascading solution

When cascading is requested for a circuit breaker, Ecodial looks for a cascading solution with the
upstream circuit breaker.
If Ecodial cannot find a cascading solution with the upstream circuit breaker, a warning message is
displayed in the alarm window and solutions without cascading are proposed.
Limits on cascading
Certain configurations in electrical installations making cascading impossible:
the circuit breaker selected for cascading is supplied by two parallel circuits,
the circuit breaker selected for cascading and the upstream circuit breaker are on opposite
sides of a LV/LV transformer.
Circuit breaker downstream of parallel Circuit breakers on opposite sides of an

MV/LV transformers LV/LV transformer
No cascading
No cascading
Other configurations for which cascading is not attempted

When a circuit breaker is supplied by circuit breakers operating under different operating modes,
Ecodial does not attempt to find a cascading solution.
No search for a
cascading solution

Withdrawable circuit breakers and switches

If a withdrawable circuit breaker or switch is required, Ecodial selects only devices that can be
disconnected from a chassis (withdrawable or drawout versions) or a base (plug-in versions), i.e.
withdrawability not dependent on the switchboard system in which they are installed.
If withdrawability is not required, Ecodial proposes solutions without taking the feature into account.
In the results zone, Ecodial indicates whether a withdrawable version exists for each device.
Examples of withdrawable circuit breakers
Drawout Masterpact NT circuit Withdrawable Compact NSX Plug-in Compact NSX circuit
breaker (on a chassis). circuit breaker (on a chassis). breaker (on a base).

Electrical operating mechanisms for circuit breakers and

switches
If a circuit breaker or switch requires a motorised electrical operating mechanism, Ecodial selects only
devices offering the option.
If the option is not required, Ecodial proposes solutions without taking the option into account.
In the results zone, Ecodial indicates whether the option exists for each device.

Remote opening of switches

If remote opening of a switch is required, Ecodial selects only devices offering the option.
This function may be used, for example, for load shedding.
If the option is not requested, Ecodial selects only devices that cannot be remotely opened.
In the absence of an indication (parameter set to Any), Ecodial proposes solutions without taking the
option into account.
In all cases, Ecodial indicates in the results zone whether each device can be remotely opened or not.

Visible break
For certain applications, visible breaking of circuit may be required for safety reasons.
On a device offering visible break, the operator can see via a transparent screen that the contacts are
in fact open. For example, the Interpact INV range offers a double safety function with visible break
and positive contact indication.
If visible break is required on a switch, Ecodial selects only switches offering the function.
If it is not required, Ecodial selects only devices not offering the function.
In the absence of an indication (parameter set to Any), Ecodial proposes solutions without taking the
function into account.
In all cases, Ecodial indicates for each device in the results zone whether the function is available.

Classification of residual current devices

Standard IEC 60755 (General requirements for residual-current operated protective devices) defines
three types of residual-current protection depending on the fault-current characteristics.
Type AC
Tripping is ensured for residual sinusoidal alternating currents, without a DC component.
Type A
Tripping is ensured for residual sinusoidal alternating currents and specified residual pulsating direct
currents.
Type B
Tripping is ensured for currents identical to those for class A and for residual direct currents produced
by three-phase rectification.
In addition, Schneider Electric offers the following types of residual-current devices in its catalogue:
SI (super immunised) with reinforced immunity to nuisance tripping in polluted networks,
SiE designed for environments with severe operating conditions.
The table below presents the recommended type and immunity level as a function of the external
conditions and the level of disturbances on the electrical network.
Recommended Risk of nuisance Risk of non-operation (in the presence of a fault)

type tripping
HF leakage current Fault current Fault current Low Corrosive or
with pulsating with pure DC temperature dusty
components component (to -25°C) atmosphere
AC  
A   
SI   
SiE    
B    

Type of residual-current protection

Residual-current protection may be:
integrated in breaking devices,
or carried out by a separate residual-current relay in conjunction with a separate toroid and a
voltage release (MN or MX).
Ecodial offers a choice between the two possibilities.

If no choice is made (parameter set to Any), the proposed solutions include both integrated and
separate devices that are compatible with the breaking device.
Examples of residual-current protection

Integrated residual current protection Separate
residual-current
relays
Masterpact circuit breaker equipped with Vigicompact NSX iC60 circuit Type M and P
a Micrologic 7.0 control unit circuit breaker breaker with Vigirex relays
add-on Vigi
module

High-sensitivity residual-current protection

The situations and applications presented below require highly-sensitivity residual-current devices, i.e.
devices with a sensitivity In less than or equal to 30 mA.
Applications / situation Example of reference standard

Additional protection against direct NF C 15-100 § 415.1
contact
Premises with fire risk NF C 15-100 § 422.1.7
Case for heating films installed in ceilings.
Power outlets NF C 15-100 § 411.3.3
Rated current ≤ 32 A
Sprayed water
Temporary installations (e.g. work sites)
Swimming pool NF C 15-100 § 702.53
Bathrooms (least exposed zone) NF C 15-100 § 701.53, all circuits except SELV and not
supplied by a separation transformer.
In the TT system, when the resistance NF C 15-100 § 531.2.5.2
of the earth electrode for exposed
conductive parts is high (> 500 Ω).
Floor heating NF C 15-100 § 753.4.1
Case for systems comprising unarmoured insulated
conductors requiring 30 mA protection for each 13 kW
(400 V) or 7.5 kW (230 V) circuit.

Medium-sensitivity residual-current protection

The situations and applications presented below require medium-sensitivity residual-current devices,
i.e. devices with a sensitivity In less than or equal to 300 or 500 mA.
Applications / situation Example of reference standard IΔn

Protection against fire risks. NF C 15-100 § 531.2.3.3 ≤ 300 mA
Required for premises with risk of fire Protection against fire caused by tracking
(BE2) or risk of explosion (BE3). currents flowing to earth.
Floor heating NF C 15-100 § 753.4.1 ≤ 500 mA
Case for systems comprising armoured
insulated conductors.

Maximum permissible voltage drop for loads

Recommendations and requirements imposed by standards
The maximum, permissible voltage drop for loads varies depending on the installation standard.
Below are the data for standard IEC 60364 and for standard NF C 15-100.
Type of load NF C 15-100 IEC 60364

Supply via public LV Supply via substation
distribution network connected to public MV
distribution network
Lighting 3% 6% 4% recommended
Other loads 5% 8% 4% recommended
Software parameter setting

In Ecodial, the default values for the maximum permissible voltage drops for loads may be set for each
type of load on the Project parameters tab.
The maximum permissible voltage drop may also be set individually in the properties for each load.
Procedure if the cumulative voltage drop for a load exceeds the permissible
value
If the calculated, cumulative voltage drop exceeds the maximum, permissible value, Ecodial displays a
message to signal the error.
To clear the error, reduce the voltage-drop tolerances for the upstream circuits supplying the load (
Circuit voltage-drop tolerances).

Circuit voltage-drop tolerances

The default value for circuit voltage-drop tolerances can be set on the Projects parameters tab for:
cables,
busbar-trunking systems (BTS).
The maximum permissible voltage drop for a circuit may also be set individually in the properties for
each cable and BTS. Modifying this parameter is a means to customise the distribution of the voltage
drop between the various circuits upstream of a load.
In the example below, the calculated voltage Below, the voltage-drop tolerance for cable WD3
drop for load AA7 is 6.06%, i.e. greater than the has been reduced to 3%. Ecodial consequently
maximum permissible value of 6%. The increases the size of the cable and the voltage
tolerance for circuit voltage drops is set to 5%. drop for load AA7 is now less than 6% (4.98%).
u u tolerance
+3.86% 5%  3%
u
+ 1.93%
To maintain the maximum voltage drop for AA7 to less than 6%, it is necessary to reduce the voltage
drops on the upstream circuits (WD3 and WD7) by reducing the voltage-drop tolerance(s).
There are two possible methods.
Reduce the tolerances for all upstream circuits, in which case the size (cross-sectional area)
of all upstream circuits will be increased.
Reduce the tolerance for a single upstream circuit, namely the circuit selected by the designer
as the best for an increase in size.

Cable installation method

Click the Modify installation method command to modify the installation method.
In the window, the information is presented in two steps:

description of the situation and of the installation system,
definition of the parameters for the grouping factor that depends on the installation method.
Ecodial presents in the results zone of the window:

the installation-method number,
the reference method used,
a complete description of the installation method,
a diagram.

Maximum, permissible cross-sectional area

This parameter may be used to limit the size (cross-sectional area) of cables and conductors.
For values above the permissible limit, parallel cables are run in order to comply with the theoretical
size required for the design current of the wiring system.

Third-order harmonic distortion

Origin
When the neutral is distributed, non-linear loads may cause large overloads in the neutral conductor
due to the presence of third-order (H3) harmonics.
Balanced three-phase loads do not cause H3 harmonics in the neutral conductor. But H3 harmonics
can reach 80% of the fundamental for non-linear single-phase loads such as single-phase diode-
bridge rectifiers with capacitive filtering.
Single-phase diode-bridge rectifiers with capacitive filtering
Diagram Waveform of current drawn Harmonic spectrum of current drawn
Many devices in a wide range of fields include this type of circuit. They are the main causes of H3
harmonics.
Field Devices
Residential TV, hi-fi, video, microwave ovens, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), etc.
Services Microcomputers, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, CFLs, etc.
Industry Switch-mode power supplies, variable-speed drives, CFLs, etc.
Impact of neutral protection on cable sizes

Table 52-D1 and §523.5.3 of standard IEC 60364 sums up the rules for neutral protection, selection of
cable sizes and the factors for permissible-current reduction in cables when H3 harmonics are
present.
THDI ≤ 15% 15% < THDI ≤ 33% 33% < THDI ≤ 45% THDI > 45%
S neutral = S phase /2 is S neutral = S phase S phase = S neutral S phase = S neutral
permissible (1) S phase is decisive S neutral is decisive S neutral is decisive
Neutral protected Factor = 0.86 I Bneutral = 3 X THDi x I Bphase I Bneutral = 3 X THDi x I Bphase
Factor = 0.86 Factor = 1
(1) If Sphase > 16 mm² Cu or 25 mm² Alu
Impact on circuit-breaker selection

For single-core cables, only the neutral conductor must be oversized, on the condition that the circuit
breaker is capable of protecting an oversized neutral. When that is possible, Ecodial proposes a circuit
breaker equipped with a 4P3d+OSN trip unit that must been the following conditions:
Irneutral ≥ IBneutral
Irphase ≥ IBphase, i.e. Irneutral·0.63 ≥ IBphase.
For 4P3d+OSN trip units, the Irphase/Irneutral ratio is constant at 0.63.

Manual and alternate solutions

The Select another product command provides access to two separate functions:
selection of alternate solutions validated by Ecodial during a calculation,
manual selection of a product from the catalogue.
This command is available for the components listed below:
LV cables,
busbar-trunking systems (BTS),
circuit breakers,
switches,
residual-current devices.
Alternate selection
Alternate solutions may be accessed only after a calculation has been validated. If that is the case and
the Select another product command is launched, the selection window automatically opens the
Calculated products window. Then simply select the desired solution using the values proposed in
the selection zone. The results zone is updated with the new solution. When OK is clicked, the
solution is confirmed (locked), i.e. it will be used for future calculations.
Manual selection
A prior, validated calculation is not required to access solutions in the catalogue. If a calculation has
not yet been validated, the selection window automatically opens the Entire catalogue window. If a
calculation has been validated, Ecodial opens the Calculated products selection window. Select
Entire catalogue to access the entire catalogue.
When a product is selected manually from the catalogue, it is "locked" for use in future calculations.
Processing of locked solutions

When a solution has been locked by a user (via a manual or alternate selection), Ecodial no longer
calculates the component, but it does check that the locked solution meets electrotechnical
requirements. If a requirement is not met, the locked solution fails the check, the calculation is stopped
and an error message is issued. To clear the problem, it is necessary to unlock the solution and restart
the calculation.

Additional derating coefficients for wiring systems

This coefficient is applied in addition to the other coefficients for the installation method.
The table below provides examples of typical values that should be applied when certain external
conditions exist.
External condition Example of recommendation (NF C 15-100) Coefficient values

Premises with risk of Permissible current values for conductors must 0.85
explosion (BE3) be reduced by 15%
Significant exposure to Permissible current values for conductors must 0.85
solar radiation (AN3) be reduced by 15%

Waiver of overload-protection requirements for safety

circuits
For safety reasons, an application may need to continue operation even under fault conditions, in
which case overload protection should be inhibited.
The inhibition function is required notably for motors used to remove smoke from public buildings.
Ecodial includes a function to waiver thermal protection for circuit breakers supplying loads.
In this case, two types of circuit breakers are proposed by Ecodial:
circuit breakers without thermal protection and equipped with an MA trip unit,
circuit breakers equipped with a control unit enabling inhibition of thermal protection (e.g.
Micrologic 5.0).
In compliance with the recommendation contained in NF C 15-100, Ecodial sizes the circuit breaker
and the cable to accept 1.5 times the design current of the circuit.

Power factor for short-circuits on LV sources

By default, Ecodial proposes the values drawn from Table 11 in standard IEC 60947-2 which specifies
the test conditions used to determine circuit-breaker breaking capacities.
Short-circuit current (kA) Power factor for short-circuits

PFsc
Ikmax ≤ 3 0.9
3 < Ikmax ≤ 4.5 0.8
4.5 < Ikmax ≤ 6 0.7
6 < Ikmax ≤ 10 0.5
10 < Ikmax ≤ 20 0.3
20 < Ikmax ≤ 50 0.25
50 < Ikmax 0.2

Calculation of LV-source phase impedances, based on

Ik3max
Ik3max is used to calculate the phase impedances on the upstream network, represented by the LV
source.
c U
ZL  max r
3  Ik3max
R L  Z L  PFsc
XL  Z L 2  R L 2
Ur phase-to-phase voltage (V)

Ik3max maximum three-phase short-circuit current (A)
cmax voltage factor ( Cenelec TR50480)
PFsc Power factor for short-circuits on LV sources
ZL impedance of phases (Ω)
RL resistance of phases (Ω)
XL inductance of phases at 50 Hz (Ω)
Depending on the type of system earthing, there are a number of dependencies between the different
short-circuit currents (Ik3max, Ik1min, Ief, Ief2min) that must be entered.
Ecodial checks the consistency between the parameters ( Consistency of LV-source input
parameters).

Calculation of LV-source neutral impedances, based on

Ik1min
Ik1min is used to calculate the neutral impedances (if the neutral is distributed) on the upstream
network, represented by the LV source.
U
c min  n
3
ZN   ZL
Ik1min
RN  ZN  PFsc
XN  Z N 2  RN 2

cmin voltage factor ( Cenelec TR50480)
Ik1min minimum single-phase short-circuit current (A)
ZL impedance of phases (Ω)
ZN impedance of neutral (Ω)
RN resistance of neutral (Ω)
XN inductance of neutral at 50 Hz (Ω)
These equations are also valid for the impedance of the PEN conductor in the TN-C system (with a
distributed neutral).
parameters).

Calculation of LV-source PE impedances, based on Ief

Ief is used to calculate the PE impedance in the following cases:
TN-S system and no equipotential bonding near the connection point,
TN-C system, neutral not distributed and no equipotential bonding near the connection point.
If there is equipotential bonding near the connection point, upstream PE impedance is negligible for all
types of system earthing.
In the TT system, upstream PE impedance is never taken into account.
 U U 
 cmin  r cmax  r 
 
3 3
ZPE -
 Ief Ik3max 
 
 
 U U 
 cmin  r cmax  r 
R PE  3- 3   PF
 Ief Ik3max 
sc
 
 
XPE  ZPE 2  RPE 2

Ief minimum phase/PE fault current (A)
ZPE impedance of PE (Ω)
RPE resistance of PE (Ω)
XPE inductance of PE at 50 Hz (Ω)
parameters).

Calculation of LV-source PE impedances, based on Ief2min

Ief2min is used to calculate the PE impedance in an IT system when there is no earthing equipotential
bonding near the connection point.
If there is equipotential bonding near the connection point, upstream PE impedance is negligible for all
types of system earthing.
 U U 
 cmin    r cmax  r 

3 3
ZPE -
 2  Ief2min Ik3max 
 
 
 U U 
 cmin    r cmax  r 

3 3
RPE -  PFsc
 2  Ief2min Ik3max 
 
 
XPE  ZPE 2  RPE 2
 = 3 in IT systems without a neutral

 = 1 in IT systems with a neutral
Ief2min minimum double-fault current (A)
ZPE impedance of PE (Ω)
RPE resistance of PE (Ω)
XPE inductance of PE at 50 Hz (Ω)
parameters).

Consistency of LV-source input parameters

The table below sums up the consistency checks run by Ecodial on the LV-source input parameters.
Inconsistency condition When and where? Justification

Ik1 min  In All types of earthing systems with Ik1min may not be less than the
a distributed neutral. rated current.
c min All types of earthing systems with Ik3max / Ik1min is too low.
Ik 3 max  Ik1 min a distributed neutral. This results in a negative neutral
c max
impedance.
Ief ≤ In TN-S system with no equipotential The fault current may not be less
bonding near the connection point. than the rated current.
TN-C.
c min TN-S system with no equipotential Ik3max / Ief is too low.
Ik 3 max  If bonding near the connection point. This results in a negative PE(N)
c max TN-C system without a distributed impedance.
neutral and with no equipotential
bonding near the connection point.
Ief 2 min  In IT system with no equipotential The double-fault current may not
bonding near the connection point. be less than the rated current.
c min IT system with a neutral, but no Ik3max / Ief2min is too low.
Ik 3 max  0.5  Ief 2 min equipotential bonding near the This results in a negative PE
c max
connection point. impedance.
c min 3 IT system, with no incoming Ik3max / Ief2min is too low.
Ik 3 max   Ief 2 min equipotential bonding, when the This results in a negative PE
c max 2
neutral is not distributed. impedance.

Type of regulation of LV capacitor banks

Principle
By default, Ecodial proposes the type of regulation (fixed or automatic) of capacitor banks for power
factor correction according to the following rules:
- If the power to be corrected (Q upstream + Q downstream) is greater than 15% of the
apparent power of the upstream sources (sum of the apparent powers of upstream
transformers used simultaneously), then Ecodial imposes power factor correction with
an automatic capacitor bank.
- If not, a fixed capacitor bank can be used and Ecodial therefore proposes both fixed
and automatic power factor correction solutions.
This principle is followed to avoid overvoltages in the installation when the installed power of the
capacitor bank is high with respect to the consumption of the installation. An automatic capacitor bank
adjusts the number of capacitor steps connected according to the level of the load on the installation.
Example of a fixed capacitor bank

Source power = 630 kVA.
Calculate reactive power to be corrected = 46.3 kvar.
Rating of selected solution: 54.5 kvar.
Ratio = 54.5 / 630 = 8.6% (< 15%), allowing the use of a fixed capacitor bank.
Example of an automatic capacitor bank

Source power = 250 kVA.
Calculated reactive power to be corrected = 46.3 kvar.
Rating of selected solution: 51.3 kvar.
Ratio = 51.3 / 250 = 20.5% (≥ 15%), imposing the choice of an automatic capacitor bank (a fixed
capacitor bank cannot be used)

Types of LV capacitor banks

Principle
The type of capacitor bank is determined by the level of harmonic disturbances at the point of
connection of the capacitor bank. The flow of harmonic currents in the installation leads to harmonic
voltages across the terminals of the capacitors that can cause overcurrents at harmonic frequencies.
Calculating the harmonic disturbance level Gh/Sn in the installation

The type of capacitor bank is determined by calculating the ratio Gh/Sn, representing the level of
harmonic disturbances in the installation:
- Gh: total apparent power (kVA ) of the harmonic loads connected downstream of the
main LV switchboard (MLVS)
- Sn: rated apparent power of the transformer(s) supplying the MLVS.
The ratio Gh/Sn is calculated by Ecodial for each capacitor bank, taking into account the loads
declared as harmonic loads.
The ratio Gh/Sn can also be entered directly for each capacitor bank. In this case, the values are
locked and will not be modified by Ecodial in the event of changes in the installation.
Selection criteria
LV capacitor banks are available for 3 levels of harmonic withstand:
- Gh/Sn < 15%, "Classic" capacitor banks can be used
- 15% ≤ Gh/Sn < 25 %, the capacitor banks must be at least of the "Comfort" type (the
"Classic" type is not allowed)
- Gh/Sn ≥ 25%, "Harmony" capacitor banks must be used (the "Classic" and "Comfort"
types are not allowed).
If Gh/Sn exceeds 50%, a special study must be carried out to determine the type of capacitor bank
because harmonic filtering must be installed.

Reactive power threshold

This parameter determines the reactive power threshold above which power factor correction is
required. If the reactive power consumed by the installation is less than this value, installation of power
factor correction capacitors is unnecessary even if the PF is less than the Target PF.
The following two conditions must therefore be satisfied before Ecodial will carry out capacitor bank
calculations:
- PF < Target PF
- Reactive power consumed > Threshold (50 kvar by default).

Coordination of circuit breakers and contactors

Definition
Standard IEC 60947-4-1 defines two types of coordination.
Type Definition
Type 1 Deterioration of the contactor and the relay is acceptable under two conditions:
- no danger to operating personnel,
- no danger to any components other than the contactor and the relay
Type 2 Only minor welding of the contactor or starter contacts is permissible and the contacts
must be easily separated. Following type-2 coordination tests, the switchgear and
controlgear functions must be fully operational.
When the switchgear and controlgear includes both the circuit breaker and contactor functions,
coordination is considered to be total.
Which type of coordination is needed?

Selection of a type of coordination depends on the operating conditions encountered. The goal is to
achieve the best balance between the user’s needs and the cost of the installation.
Type user’s needs / cost of the optimised installation

Type 1 Qualified maintenance service,
Low cost of switchgear and controlgear,
Continuity of service is not imperative or may be ensured by simply replacing the faulty
motor drawer.
Type 2 Continuity of service is imperative,
Limited maintenance service,
Specifications stipulating type 2.

Trip classes of motor thermal protection

The four trip classes of a thermal relay are 10 A, 10, 20 and 30 (maximum tripping times at 7.2 Ir).
Classes 10 and 10 A are the most commonly used. Classes 20 and 30 are reserved for motors with
difficult starting conditions.
The following diagram and table show the thermal relay suited to the motor starting time.
Trip Class 1,05 Ir 1,2 Ir 1,5 Ir 7,2 IR

10A t > 2h t < 2h t < 2 min 2 ≤ t ≤ 10 s
10 t > 2h t < 2h t < 4 min 4 ≤ t ≤ 10 s
20 t > 2h t < 2h t < 8 min 6 ≤ t ≤ 20 s
30 t > 2h t < 2h t < 12 min 9 ≤ t ≤ 30 s

Motor inrush currents

Principle
When the motor inrush or starting current is greater than 19 Ir, device ratings are increased by 20% to
satisfy optimum starting and coordination conditions.
Example I’’start/Ir ≤ 19
For an 11 kW motor with direct-on-line starting, the following protection is selected:
Circuit breaker: P25 M 23 A
Contactor: LC1D25
Example I’’start/Ir > 19

For an 11 kW motor with direct-on-line starting, the following protection is selected:
Circuit breaker: GV2ME 32 A
Contactor: LC1D32

Transient over-torque of variable speed drives

Certain applications require an over-torque during transient acceleration and deceleration phases. In
this case, a "high torque" variable speed drive (VSD)should be used. For other applications (e.g.
centrifugal pumps and fans), a VSD with "standard torque" is sufficient.
Standard torque High torque

The over-torque and the associated The over-torque and the associated overcurrent
overcurrent are limited by the VSD to a typical are limited by the VSD to a typical value of 1.5 to
value of 1.2 to 1.4 times the rated current of the 1.7 times the rated current of the VSD for 60
VSD for 60 seconds. This setting is compatible seconds. This setting is compatible with
with applications such as centrifugal pumps, applications such as handling and grinding
fans and conveyors. equipment and pumps with high break-off
torques.

Single-pole breaking capacity at phase-to-phase voltage on

IT systems
When a double fault occurs on an IT system, the protective devices must be able to break the double-
fault current on a single pole at the phase-to-phase voltage.
In IT installations, Ecodial therefore checks that the protective device satisfies the following two
conditions:
- breaking capacity (Icu) greater than the maximum short-circuit current (Ik3max,
Ik2max or Ik1max)
- single-pole breaking capacity at the phase-to-phase voltage greater than the double-
fault current
The short-circuit currents Ik3max, Ik2max and Ik1max are calculated in compliance with Cenelec
TR50480 technical report.
For the double-fault current, Ecodial checks that the breaking capacity at the phase-to-phase voltage is
greater than:
- the current Ief calculated in compliance with Cenelec TR50480 technical report
- 0.15 times the 3-phase short-circuit current at the point considered if this current is
less than or equal to 10 000 A
- 0.25 times the 3-phase short-circuit current at the point considered if this current is greater
than 10 000 A

Single-pole breaking capacity at phase-to-neutral voltage

on TN systems
Interpretation sheet F13 (dated February 2010) of standard NF C 15-100 indicates explicitly that, for
TN installations, the protective devices must be able to break the double-fault current on a single pole
at the phase-to-neutral voltage.
No equivalent indication exists in standard IEC 60364, however all versions of Ecodial carry out this
check for all protective devices and indicate the single-pole breaking capacity at the phase-to-neutral
voltage when it is different than the breaking capacity Icu of the device.

Technical Help: Ecodial Advance Calculation

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Ecodial Advance Calculation

Technical help Page 2/44

Consistency of LV-source input parameters

Technical help Page 3/44

Code IEC 81346-2 definition Examples Ecodial component

Technical help Page 4/44

Main changes following the Cenelec TR50480 report

Rated voltage Voltage factor

Elimination of the no-load factor m

Calculation of short-circuit currents with parallel-connected transformers

Generator LV supply MV supply + parallel-connected MV/LV transformers

Contribution of asynchronous motors to short-circuit currents

Type of supply Motor Total power rating of K M value

5  SrT  1,1  SrM

Technical help Page 5/44

Types of system earthing

Not permitted on sites where

Where possible, the neutral

Technical help Page 6/44

Types of transformer losses

No-load losses (P 0 ) Load losses (P k )

Standard efficiency Standard efficiency

Technical help Page 7/44

Diversity factor and operating mode

Technical help Page 8/44

Switchgear status and operating modes

Technical help Page 9/44

Discrimination of protective devices

Crossing detection zone. Table zone.

Partial and total discrimination

Means to achieve total discrimination

Technical help Page 10/44

Check on the thermal stress in cables

Necessary measures if a cable is not protected against thermal stress

Technical help Page 11/44

Discrimination of residual-current protective devices

In x2 ≤ Ief  protection of persons OK

≥ 1.4  time discrimination OK

Technical help Page 12/44

Attempts to find a cascading solution

Circuit breaker downstream of parallel Circuit breakers on opposite sides of an

Other configurations for which cascading is not attempted

Technical help Page 13/44

Withdrawable circuit breakers and switches

Examples of withdrawable circuit breakers

Technical help Page 14/44

Electrical operating mechanisms for circuit breakers and

Technical help Page 15/44

Remote opening of switches

Technical help Page 16/44

Technical help Page 17/44

Classification of residual current devices

Recommended Risk of nuisance Risk of non-operation (in the presence of a fault)

Technical help Page 18/44

Type of residual-current protection

Ecodial offers a choice between the two possibilities.

Examples of residual-current protection

Technical help Page 19/44

High-sensitivity residual-current protection

Applications / situation Example of reference standard

Technical help Page 20/44

Medium-sensitivity residual-current protection

Applications / situation Example of reference standard IΔn